On December 7th, 2024 30 members of our order were exemplified into the degree of the Holy and Exalted Cross in the Buffalo Temple. The Buffalo Grand and 2nd Regiment thank the Most Reverend Michael Fisher for sharing this occasion with us. The degree team, made up of men from the Buffalo and New York Grand, led by Supreme President and Buffalo Grand Ritual Director General Thomas Deluca did an exceptional job at exemplifying the degree team. Men from Buffalo, Toronto, Minnesota. New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore-Washington were in attendance.
This exemplification was on the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Noble Degree, established in 1924 and first exemplified in the Buffalo Temple in 1925, with the Class of 2024 being the 11th Class in the history of the Buffalo Temple.
As was noted at the degree ceremony, Venerable Nelson Baker, architect of the great Our Lady of Victory Basilica, was a charter member of the Noble Degree in the Buffalo Temple, and we ask all our brother knights to share in the daily prayer promoting the cause of his canonization. We are hopeful that one day the Knights will be able to celebrate his beatification and canonization.
Lord, you gave us Your Servant Nelson Baker as an example of service to the poor, homeless and the young. By “Father Baker’s” ardent concern for those in need, inflame our hearts and lives with compassion for the poor, justice for the oppressed, hope for the troubled and courage to those in doubt.
We pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Victory, if it be Your will, that Your Servant, Nelson Baker, may one day be canonized. Amen.
Glory Be (3 times) Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Brigadier General Timothy D Redinger, OESSH
Buffalo Grand President
Commandery 135, Commanding
